New Zealand is currently on a tour of Australia for a three-match T20I series, which began on September 19. Australia secured the series after winning the second T20I by 29 runs, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The hosts, Australia, elected to bat first but failed to capitalize on the toss advantage, as they were bowled out for 142, largely due to Amelia Kerr’s brilliant bowling performance. In response, Australia delivered an outstanding bowling display, restricting New Zealand to 113, with Suzie Bates being the top scorer for the visitors. Australia successfully defended their total of 142, ultimately winning the match by 29 runs.
Highlights from the match:
1) Alysa Healy 38 (Australia)
The Australian skipper gave her side a strong start by scoring 38 off 25 balls in the second T20I. She was involved in a 43-run partnership for the second wicket with Ellyse Perry. Healy’s quickfire 38, which included six boundaries, helped put the hosts in a commanding position. She was the top scorer for her team in the second T20I.
2) Ashleigh Gardener 3/16 (Australia)
Although she couldn’t make a significant contribution with the bat, scoring just 18, it was her bowling effort that guided the hosts to victory over the White Ferns. Her first wicket was Amelia Kerr, whom she trapped in front of the stumps for 6. Later, she dismissed Brooke Halliday for 11 by knocking over her stumps. Her third victim was Maddy Green. She finished with impressive figures of 3/16, and for her outstanding performance with the ball, she was named Player of the Match.
3) Amelia Kerr 4/20 (New Zealand)
Amelia Kerr registered her best bowling figures after claiming a four-wicket haul in the second T20I against Australia. Her first wicket was Ashleigh Gardner, whose stumps she rattled, followed by the dismissal of Tahlia McGrath in the same fashion. Sophie Molineux became her third victim via a stumping, and she then dismissed Megan Schutt for a golden duck. Kerr finished with outstanding figures of 4/20, making her the top bowler for the White Ferns in the second T20I.